Lula expresses Brazil's interest in Paraguay's further development

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is interested in Paraguay becoming a more developed country, said President Santiago Pena.

"Our relations (between Paraguay and Brazil) are very positive. We are saying that diplomatic relations between the two states have already turned into a strategic alliance"

Santiago Pena President of Paraguay

Pena linked the talks with Lula at the meeting in New York (USA) during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly to the ongoing negotiations on Annex C of the Itaipu Treaty, a hydropower plant whose energy is shared by Paraguay and Brazil.

Last Wednesday in New York, the two presidents agreed to meet in Brasilia to discuss the so-called bi-national Itaipu, a hydroelectric plant whose agreement will be discussed by the authorities of both countries, as well as other issues of interest, such as the Corredor Bioceánico (Bioceanic Corridor).

According to Pena, Brazil sees that a developed Paraguay has a positive impact on strengthening Brazil itself, and Lula is willing to work on an agenda that includes trade and security issues.

"I am very satisfied with the dialogue we are having and I think it will be very satisfactory for both sides," stressed the Paraguayan leader.

Annex C of the Itaipu Treaty, which describes the framework for financing and providing services to the power plant, is recognised as regulating the construction and use of the enterprise, which is owned and operated by two countries with different economies, as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.